Blocking and parrying in combat

[Kajukenbopr]

in martial arts, a move that is hard to do means that it is a move that hasnt been trained for properly.

I'm not saying train EVERY move u can get your hands on, but not to discard something just because its not as simple as it looks.

[RealWingChunKuen]

Lets not also forget that some simple looking techniques are much more complex than they look.

The internal mechanics involved in some kung fu strikes, such as the short range ones, would be incomprehensible to an "outsider", and would therefore be regarded impractical and or not worth the time needed to master. However, short range strikes can be very effective in real selfdefense situations.

To master this and other complex techniques requires one to train diligently, spending a lot of time doing exercises that do not seem to be relevant to fighting. But, that is the way it is.

We are training the art and are willing to spend the time and effort for higher level skills.

[Kajukenbopr]

huh, good point

[The BB of C]

I do agree that there is a difference between self-defense and UFC. I will not argue that. Even though it is close to a real fight, the rules and surroundings make it not so.

Going back to the self-defense aspect; when the adrenaline is pumping, and the fine motor skills go out the window, so do a lot of those complex moves, I think. When you get all worked up, and your hands are shaking uncontrollably, you can see what I mean. The more complex the movements, the harder they will be to pull off.

That's why we have to remember our late friend Bruce Lee's "water" philosophy. To always stay calm, roll with the punches, and do what you were taught. I believe that the day a while ago when we lost sight of that "clear mind constant readiness" philosophy in the school, is when people started becoming afriad on the streets. Then the adrenaline pumps, motor skills go out the window etc. just like you said. It has been a thing I've noticed. The instructors that preach and drill and repeat this 9x during a class are the ones that produce students that can use the ultra complicated parrying techniques in a self defense situation.

Also think of it this way. Are we seriously asking ourselves if blocking is realistic in self defense? Have martial artists lost that much focus nowadays?

[cross]

Then the adrenaline pumps, motor skills go out the window etc. just like you said.

If a person is caught by surprise, or they feel that they are being preyed apon, the at least 1 adrenaline dump will be experienced and you wont have access to fine motor skills, so any chance of using a fine motor response (complex) goes out the window.

Considering that the majority of martial artists will train without the level of intensity or fear to induce an adrenaline dump, then all the well trained complex skills wont be accessable because they dont function in any situation thats more intense then their training.

Also think of it this way. Are we seriously asking ourselves if blocking is realistic in self defense? Have martial artists lost that much focus nowadays?

I think the intial question was not "is blocking realistic in self defense", but rather "is traditional blocking kung fu style realistic in self defense".

I think everyone will agree that adopting some form of defense against the attacks coming at you is extremely important.

In my experience jamming is one of the most useful and proactive methods of defense against strikes(with empty hand and edged weapons). Jamming readily flows from the humans natural startle to flinch response and puts you in a position to terminate the attacker quickly without having to stand back and trade blows with the person.

Its important to go beyond the theory and actually test these things out also. One method is to put on some protective equipment and have a partner throw a fully comitted strike at you when they are ready. Keep in mind this isnt a static drill, you should include the behavioural aspects of a confrontation(shoving, verbal etc) and then try out your defense. You will soon note that if you stand there trying to predict what type of strike they are going to perform, you will get hit alot. This is where understanding a making use of the flinch response comes in. It allows you to simply react to whats happening in front of you and terminate the attack, regardless of what type of strike it is.

[bushido_man96]

I see what you are saying, BB of C. But I still don't think that you can do much to change the way that adrenaline affects the body. Even if you have a lot of experience, actual combat experience, I still think that the adrenaline will affect you some. And if you talk to the guys with all the combat experience, most of them will still go with the simplicity over complexity.

[Kajukenbopr]

i think thats why we do sparring with other schools, or full contact tournaments- if you've never seen the guy in your life and he's coming at you, should get ur adrenaline pumping.

Eventually, u get used to it, and u learn not to get overwhelmed

[RealWingChunKuen]

I think the intial question was not "is blocking realistic in self defense", but rather "is traditional blocking kung fu style realistic in self defense".

Asking if traditional blocking kung fu style is realistic is like asking if traditional chinense food is good. It all depends on who is doing the cooking and who is doing the eating.

Anyway, I think the question related more to traditional karate blocks (not the same as kung fu blocks), but relevant at the same time.

In my experience jamming is one of the most useful and proactive methods of defense against strikes(with empty hand and edged weapons). Jamming readily flows from the humans natural startle to flinch response and puts you in a position to terminate the attacker quickly without having to stand back and trade blows with the person.

Most of what you say here are traditional kung fu principles. The problem is that most "traditional" kung fu teachers don't teach it. The problem here is not with traditional kung fu training or concepts. The problems here is with Mc Kung Fu and the resultant mis-perception of traditional kung fu.

Its important to go beyond the theory and actually test these things out also.

More traditonal kung fu, eventhough the testing can take many guises.

You will soon note that if you stand there trying to predict what type of strike they are going to perform, you will get hit alot. This is where understanding a making use of the flinch response comes in. It allows you to simply react to whats happening in front of you and terminate the attack, regardless of what type of strike it is.

This, mostly can also be classified as traditional kung fu approach. Of course, there are differences when it comes to various styles and schools.

[cross]

i think thats why we do sparring with other schools, or full contact tournaments- if you've never seen the guy in your life and he's coming at you, should get ur adrenaline pumping.

Eventually, u get used to it, and u learn not to get overwhelmed

Sparring is worlds apart from real self defense situations. It resembles almost nothing you will see if you are attacked by someone really intent on hurting/killing you. So whilst sparring will help you deal with the adrenaline you face while sparring, it wont help with much else.

[mantis.style]

The real problem is that many traditional schools don't teach traditionally. Traditionally, kung fu students did the full spectrum of exercises from simple running to weight lifting to more specialised training with specialised equipment. ALso traditionally, training involved fighting. How many schools these days even talk about weight training? How many schools advocate going out to test yourself against others?